September 2024

Inside: The impacts of Hurricane Debby on our community, a recap of our public Hurricane Prep event, Basic Training opportunities and sales tax holiday information

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Thank you to our amazing LWR CERT volunteers who are improving the resilience of our community before and after disasters.

We have had a wet season so far. Our rainfall for the year is already approaching the record annual total rainfall in our area set in 1957! Check out this graph from the National Weather Service.

We don't need a named tropical storm for our streets to flood. Our ponds are full. A heavy thunderstorm can bring a lot of rain. Protect yourself and your car by not driving on flooded streets.

September is the peak month for tropical storm activity in our area. Please have a plan for what to do when the weather is threatening. Stay safe!

Jim Emanuelson (KN4VMK)

President, LWR CERT

941.404.8606

With more than 100 residents registered for the event, the LWR CERT-sponsored public Hurricane Prep session on Saturday, August 24 was a huge success. After an introduction by LWR CERT President Jim Emanuelson briefly discussing Hurricane Debby's impacts in Lakewood Ranch, Director of Community Outreach Jim Curran showcased how LWR CERT helps the community. Jill Perlin presented storm preparations and Jordan Perlin relayed what to do (and not to do) after a storm. WFLA meteorologist Leigh Spann shared her hurricane expertise as well as the latest storm predictions for the 2024 Hurricane Season.

In addition to the LWR CERT member presenters and our special guest Leigh Spann, we thank all those who made this event possible. From the smiling faces of our registration desk volunteers Paula Grammas and Carol Jenckes; to our backpack explainer Mel Davis; our Radio Committee representatives Tony Gula, John Hennesey, and Tim Sherer; photographer Paulette Kessler-Westerman; our technology guru Anna Albano; and our Neighborhood Engagement team of Bruce Costella, Sharon Defferding, Susan Fink (CERT Coalition), Mike Resetarits, Rosemary Stack, Jerry Toner, and Sheila White, you all were amazing! The event was a great display of the teamwork, dedication, and enthusiasm of LWR CERT volunteers. Thank you for your contributions to this event.

The photos above were shared by area residents on social media. They show the impacts of Hurricane Debby on area homes, mainly in the Summerfield Bluffs and Woods neighborhoods, and residents being rescued by area fire departments in boats and high-water vehicles. The center photo was taken during LWR CERT's participation at the State Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) at the Lakewood Ranch Library.

Communications

As the water began to rise on August 5, residents reached out to LWR CERT through our Facebook page, Facebook messenger, and email to alert us of flooding in their neighborhoods and to learn the latest updates from the County and Town Hall. LWR CERT Facebook posts that day were shared by numerous individuals and reached more than 20,000 views. LWR CERT continues to post links to the latest flood resources and weather updates on our Facebook page.

MARC Assistance

The Florida State Emergency Response Team (FL SERT) reached out to LWR CERT for assistance as they set up the Multi-Agency Resource Center. Less than 6 hours after their call, more than 50 LWR CERT members and members of neighboring CERT programs were organized to volunteer at the MARC! Eileen O'Neill (not pictured), Karen Emanuelson and Jim Emanuelson set up the CERT response at the Library, coordinating relief efforts with the American Red Cross and other agencies who were not familiar with the area, helping to direct them to areas most impacted, including Woods and Bluffs.

After the initial MARC set up, it was clear the state agency representatives and American Red Cross volunteers had the storm response handled, so the remaining shifts of CERT volunteers were asked to stand down for this event.

We commend all the CERT volunteers who stepped up so quickly to help their fellow neighbors in time of need. It was amazing to see the quick response and your willingness to spend time helping others. While we hope to not be needed for this type of event again, it is reassuring to know CERTs are there when called upon.

Sales Tax Holiday Through Sept. 6

Manatee County Disaster Recovery Resource Guide

This comprehensive 18-page booklet includes links and contact information from resources, including Disaster Assistance, Insurance, Medical Care and Supplies, Pets and Animals, and Tree and Storm Debris Removal from organizations such as American Red Cross, FEMA, National Flood Insurance Program and the Florida Office of Attorney General.

Manatee County All-Hazards Disaster Planning Guide

This updated guide contains disaster safety tips, disaster supply kit suggested contents, what to do before a storm, Evacuate or Stay, keeping animals safe, plus a list of Manatee County evacuation shelters, and the latest Manatee County Evacuation map. It also has tips on what to expect after a storm, disaster recovery assistance information, and a Disaster Planning Checklist you can complete.

Want copies of this Guide to distribute to your neighbors? Contact Karen Emanuelson at karenemanuelson@lwrcert.org.

Manatee County Severe Weather Information Center Website

Flood Water Risks

What a perfect night at Bradenton Marauders baseball game! LWR CERT Basic Training graduate Jeremy, the first CERT graduate in the US with Down syndrome, threw out the first pitch as part of the Special Needs Community Celebration night. Great job, Jeremy!

Jeremy is pictured with LWR CERT Basic Training Manager Mike Modisett. Thanks, Pamela Modisett, for sharing the photo.

CERT Basic Training - Trailer Estates - September/October

Trailer Estates CERT is hosting a CERT Basic Training Class scheduled for September 25, 26 and 27 and October 2, 3, and 4. The classes will meet from 10 AM - 2 PM in the Bayshore Gardens Park and Recreation Center, 6919 26th Street W. in Bradenton. Residents from all of Manatee County are welcome to attend this free training. Click here to access the application which should be emailed to Sharon at originaltr@cs.com. Questions? Call 941.752.7421.

CERT Basic Training - River Club - September/October

River Club CERT is hosting a CERT Basic Training Class scheduled for September 28, October 6 and October 12. The entire training will be completed in three Saturday sessions. Contact Sebastian Ilka at riverclubcert@gmail.com for details and registration.

Active Shooter Session - October 2

River Club CERT is hosting an Active Shooter session on October 2 at the East Manatee Fire Station #1. Contact Sebastian Ilka at riverclubcert@gmail.com for details and registration.

September Birthdays

Happy Birthday to members Samuel Acquaviva (Team 28), Lenoire Bredt (Team 33), Barb Clemons (Team 23), Bruce Costella (Team 23), Marvin Crepea (Team 23), Barbara Hickey (Team 32), Vijay Mahadeo (Team 11), Jennifer Mechling (Team 36), Nigel Pilling (Team 28), Robert Rizzo (Team 11), Michael Rogers (Team 13), Nancy Roush (Team 17), Susan Strahs (Team 28), James Troeller (Team 17), and Sheila White (Team 13)

Service Anniversaries

Correction: Gordon Kuhn and Jan Kuhn celebrated their 15-year service anniversaries with LWR CERT last month. Congratulations!

Thank you for your years of service!

Long-standing members Kay Marcus and Mark (Julius) Marcus were recently recognized for their 13 years of dedication to LWR CERT. Mark (pictured, left) accepted Certificates of Appreciation for himself and Kay presented by LWR CERT President Jim Emanuelson.

Kay provided public relations and marketing support for LWR CERT. She was instrumental in spreading the LWR CERT word and personally recruited many of our members. Mark served as Radio Hub 6 and was an active, integral member of the Radio Committee. We thank Kay and Mark for their service to LWR CERT and to the Lakewood Ranch community and will miss them both as they move to be closer to family.

LWR CERT member Jill Perlin was recently featured in a Manatee County Public Safety Department video discussing ways residents can help their community.

Jill, we appreciate your suggestion for residents to join a local CERT team!

Click on the photo to see the video.